HC quashes appointment order of Kardar, directs Kullu DC to seek consensus of Hariyans within four weeks

Shimla, Nov 4

Himachal Pradesh High Court has quashed an order of the Deputy Commissioner, Kullu, appointing Krishan Baldev as Kardar of Devta Triyugi Narayan Temple in Kullu district on hereditary grounds, holding that the decision was taken without following the customary procedure and without obtaining the consensus of Hariyans.

Justice Sandeep Sharma, while allowing a petition filed by Karam Chand and others in CWP No. 5845 of 2026, set aside the Deputy Commissioner’s order dated November 26, 2025, and directed the Deputy Commissioner to convene a general meeting of Hariyans within four weeks to ascertain their consensus on the hereditary claim.

The court observed that although the Wajib-ul-Arz recognises hereditary claims to the post of Kardar, it contains no provision allowing the legal representatives of a Kardar removed from office to automatically inherit the position.

The dispute originated after Purshotam Ram, father of Krishan Baldev, was removed from the post of Kardar on April 22, 2017, following complaints by Hariyans. The removal order was never set aside by any competent court.

Following subsequent litigation, the High Court’s Division Bench had directed the Deputy Commissioner in December 2019 to decide the claim of Purshotam Ram’s legal representatives in accordance with the customs and traditions prevailing among Hariyans.

Initially, on January 16, 2024, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Tehsildar to convene a general meeting of Hariyans to ascertain consensus. However, on a review petition filed by Krishan Baldev, the Deputy Commissioner subsequently modified the order and recognised his hereditary entitlement without convening the meeting.

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Justice Sharma held that the Deputy Commissioner could not bypass the earlier judicial directions and review the order without hearing all stakeholders, including the temple committee.

The court directed that after receiving the Tehsildar’s report on the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner shall pass fresh orders in accordance with the judgment and Wajib-ul-Arz.

Senior Advocate Sunil Mohan Goel represented the petitioners.

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